Friday, September 24, 2010

Young Blood

Song: Young Blood
Artist: The Naked and Famous
Album: Passive Me, Aggressive You

Here's a great pop-rock record I've been really getting into over the last couple weeks. The Naked and Famous are a five-piece from New Zealand who mix Alternative Rock with Electro-pop. They debuted their first single and lead song off the album, "All of This" in 2009, after releasing two extended play releases in 2008. It unfortunately did not chart. Then in 2010, they released the song "Young Blood" which debuted at number one in New Zealand, being the first band from that country to do so in three years.

The band employs a bit of U2's bombast, some serious female wailing from band member Alisa Xayalith, fuzzed out guitars, bouncing beats, and some serious hooks. Best exemplified by current single, "Punching in a Dream" and of course "Young Blood." I hear a little MGMT in there as well... especially in "Young Blood." The album does contain a little filler, but I feel the good bits still keep the whole thing afloat.

The band is on Universal Music Group, and I'm a bit surprised that marketing budget hasn't gotten them a bit more play and/or recognition yet. They are associated with fellow Kiwi band Kids of 88, whom I also highlighted earlier this month and have been digging quite a bit. Though The Naked and Famous certainly lean much more rock than dancy.